Watches have evolved from being simply functional timepieces to becoming decorative art objects or even expressions of technological advancement, as watchmakers seek to push the boundaries of mechanics further with each invention.

Revolutionary watchmaker Romain Jerome has delved into the depths of history for inspiration for their latest collection, entitled DNA of Famous Legends, designed to pay  tribute to some of the greatest legends of our time.

Said CEO of Romain Jerome, Yvan Arpa, "So many rich people buy incredibly complicated watches without understanding how they work, because they want a story to tell. To them we offer a story."

The first series of six in this collection features timepieces crafted with parts of one of the greatest disasters of nautical history, the Titanic shipwreck.

The Titanic-DNA line has stirred up quite a controversy in the watchmaking world - with some deeming it as insensitive because of the many lives lost during the wreck. However Yvan Arpa disagrees, saying "It's really something positive. We want to say: Okay life goes on, even if some very unhappy things happen. Now, it's a legend, everybody knows the Titanic."

Each of the creations in the Titanic-DNA collection is limited to 2,012 pieces to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's maiden voyage, which will take place in 2012. The Tourbillon timepieces are even more exclusive as they are limited to nine pieces worldwide.

The creations in this series are innovative, scintilatting and extraordinary - and we hail designers such as Romain Jerome for pushing the boundaries of the watchmaking industry, and inspiring both watchmakers and enthusiasts.

PlushAsia presents a summary of the different watches available in this exclusive Titanic-DNA collection. Click on the pictures for more information on each watch.

Watch our exclusive interview with CEO of Romain Jerome, Yvan Arpa here.

RJ MADE WITH PARTS OF TITANIC BY CABESTAN	CERAMIC VARIATIONS - BLACK AND WHITE	RUSTED STEEL T-OXY III CHRONOGRAPH
Designed as a tribute to the major oceans of the world, this collection is a collaboration between Yvan Arpa, CEO of Romain Jerome and Jean Francois Ruchonnet, the creator of the revolutionary Cabestan vertical tourbillon.	This collection is designed to embody the elegance and prestige of the Titanic cruiseliner. The watch's two hands are inspired by the Titanic's anchor.	In remembrance of the Titanic shipwreck, Romain Jerome has incorporated the actual rusted steel from the Titanic into the bezel of this watch.
DAY&NIGHT	FIVE BLACK TOURBILLON I WITH RJ 21 NANOCAPSULE	ULTIMATE RUST 1/1
More of a keepsake than a functional timepiece, this collection presents a watch that does not tell the time. Instead, it differentiates day from night, employing the first Romain Jerome movement, which is composed of two separate tourbillons.	This timepiece doubles up as a time capsule. Holding the world record for the smallest micro-engraving, this watchis able to keep stored data for up to 2 million years.	This timepiece features a rusted steel bezel that represents the last possible oxidation level before decomposition. The rusted steel results from a fusion of original steel from the Titanic shipwreck and new steel.
T-OXY CONCEPT	CLUB PRIVE - SAFE OF LEGENDS	TITANIC-DNA FOUNTAIN PEN
This timepiece offers you a glimpse into science as its steel casing is entirely oxidized. Wear it out, and you can observe the steel degenerating into rust, or place it in a bell jar filled with gas to admire at will.	Available only to buyers of the T-oxy III Tourbillon, the safe holds the secret to Romain Jerome's next five collections in the DNA series. It is an intriguing collector's item, especially for Romain Jerome fans.	The nib of this opulent fountain pen is made out of 18-carat-gold, and bears a carved image of the Titanic. The pen also comes with an inkpot filled with cuttlefish ink, carrying with it the scent of the ocean.